'We're levelling the playing field': Mayor's pledge to create more 3G sport pitches
A push to boost the amount of 3G sports pitches in the region will likely cost around £1.1m per pitch – a new report has claimed.
And it could take up to two years for new pitches to go from the planning stage to being up and running.
A new report into increasing participation in grassroots sport was recently published by West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
It claims the region has a shortfall of 69 3G sports pitches, and that reducing this shortfall would “support year-round participation in sports, tackle inequalities, and deliver health, cohesion and economic benefits.”
At a meeting of the Authority’s Culture, Heritage and Sports Committee on Friday, members heard of a new programme to boost the number of 3G (third generation) pitches in West Yorkshire.
In the first phase of the £5.5m scheme, each of the five Districts, including Leeds, would get one new pitch.
The report says WYCA’s involvement would “leverage significant national investment and establish inclusive community programming at each site.”
Once up and running, each pitch would be used for around 80 hours a week, and by around 1,000 weekly users.
Referring to the cost of the proposed pitches, the report says: “A typical single pitch project cost is £1.1m (incl. VAT), with the Football Foundation usually contributing 65–70 per cent and remaining match provided by Councils, Clubs and the Combined Authority.”
Detailing the timeline of the scheme, it adds: “Projects typically require 18–24 months from early feasibility to completion.”
The report says that the five Councils would decide where the pitches are located.
The programme will be developed in partnership with the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation, Yorkshire Sport Foundation, West Riding County Football Association, West Yorkshire Combined Authority, and the region’s five local authorities.
It will be targeted to widen access for women and girls, disabled people, people from ethnically diverse communities and residents in low-income areas, where facilities are often hardest to access.
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “Grassroots sport has the power to change lives, but for too long, access to quality facilities has been out of reach for the people who would benefit the most.
“I promised every young person would have access to grassroots sport to level the playing field.
“By working together to bring modern, all-weather pitches to every district, we are backing our local clubs and creating healthier communities in a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire.”